Need Help With Rare WWII Japanese Flag / fringes and WWII photo album -

[mothermarysanto]

Need help trying to identify a rare Japanese Flag that also has a matching photo album showing a serviceman holding the flag while on demolation duty in Japan in A-bomb site. Trying to determine:
- What type of flag it is?
- Any history behind the flag use?
- A estimated value of the "flag" and/or "flag and album" together?

All the photos are on this link to make it easier to view.

http://s1194.photobucket.com/albums/...0Japan%20Flag/

Any help is welcome.
And knowledge is always better then gold!

[Der Texaner]

A few thoughts. There are people here much more edcuated on this stuff than I, so I'm sure they can help more.

First, and most importantly, the picture of the sailor holding the flag. Make sure they always stay together. A good portion, if not majority of the value is because of that picture. The flag itself appears to me to be an army flag that was a podium type banner. Army flags have the meatball centered, navy flags offset. I'm guessing its a podium banner due to the fringe being on 3sides. And the corner tabs indicate a supurb quality. First I've seen like that. Look at the flag carefully, see if you can see any Kanji (writing) along the edges, especially the non-fringed side. Looks like lot of great pics in total and this is a collection that would appeal to both American militaria collectors and Japanese. Value? Once again, just a guess on my part, I would say EASILY in the hundreds of dollars or higher if you find the right person looking for this stuff, and they are out there (call me) ha ha. There is an image of a U.S. warship that has numbers on bow, so you should be able to identify it. I didn't look too closely but it looks like a heavy cruiser? ID'ing it would help with the value. If any of the pictures contain photos of the U.S.S. Missouri, or MacArthur or something like that, it would certainly add to the value. Either way, a nice and important grouping you have there. If you are going to sell it, take your time and don't rush. A flag that nice is rare, a period photo of the sailor holding the flag is very rare. If you do decide to sell, you might consider selling it on the e-stand forum. This website has the most serious, and educated collectors on the internet. Very neat stuff you have, thanks for sharing it.


Joel

[Papa Nambu]

The sailor probably found that flag in some building, and it is military or military related at least. The flag and the album are both great on their own, but even better together.
I don't try to guess at values, they are worth whatever someone will actually pay, and you can't price unique items the same as something like a helmet where you can find what others have been selling for. You might find what similar flags have sold for, but photo albums are unique and having them together increases the value of both.
If you want to sell it, then just ask what you think it's worth, and if no one buys it, lower the price until someone does. Or auction it and see where it goes.

[Der Texaner]

I -think- I have correctly identifed the ship in the image as the U.S.S. Chicago, a heavy cruiser.

[Der Texaner]

Thinking about it, the only thing I think that might hurt the value a little bit is the grouping would be considered "post-war" since the photos are from occupied Japan. I don't think it would hurt it too much though, since the flag was almost certianly and without doubt made during the war. The U.S.S. Chicago wan't even commissioned till 1945.

Regards,
Joel

[oldflagswanted]

What & how much ???

...Trying to determine:
- What type of flag it is?
- Any history behind the flag use?
- A estimated value of the "flag" and/or "flag and album" together?
Any help is welcome. ...

Hello mms:
Interesting flag, with IMO civilian type pole mount
grommets, rather than a military pole slip sleeve.

[mothermarysanto]

This is all great information and much appreciated. I am a firm believer that the flag and photos need to stay together and I plan on selling them together. Looking forward to more information.

Thank you